Is Valorant Getting an Agent Ban System?

Riot Plans to Add Agent Bans to Valorant — But Not Anytime Soon

Since its explosive launch in June 2020, Valorant has carved out a major space in the competitive shooter scene. Combining the tactical precision of Counter-Strike with the hero-based flair of Overwatch, Riot Games’ flagship FPS has become a go-to for players aiming to climb the ladder, boost their mechanical skills, and dominate in ranked play.

But even after multiple seasons, dozens of updates, and an ever-growing cast of Agents, there’s one competitive feature that fans keep asking about: a pick-ban system.

Is Riot Adding Agent Bans in Valorant?

In games like League of Legends—also developed by Riot—banning characters before a match starts is standard practice in competitive modes. These bans allow teams to target overpowered picks or block specific strategies, encouraging variety and reducing the chances of stale meta dominance.

So it’s only natural that Valorant players have asked when—or if—a similar system will be implemented.

According to Riot, it’s not off the table, but don’t expect it anytime soon.

Game Designer Nicholas Wu Smith recently addressed the issue in a Twitch stream, explaining that a pick-ban system could eventually arrive, but only once the game reaches a larger roster of Agents—around 30, to be specific. As of now, the roster sits just shy of that number, and any ban system would likely be limited to one ban per team to prevent gameplay from becoming too restricted.

Smith was careful to emphasize that Riot is still weighing whether such a system would actually improve the competitive environment. “Other games ban, but is it actually better?” he asked during the stream, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

Why Riot Is Hesitant About Pick-Bans

From a design perspective, Riot’s caution makes sense. Valorant thrives on agent-specific utility and synergy. Each character isn’t just a different skin with slight ability tweaks—Agents come with distinct toolkits that can drastically alter a team’s strategy. Losing access to a single key Agent could unravel an entire game plan.

Senior Game Designer Trevor Romleski echoed this sentiment in a 2020 interview, noting that high-level play in Valorant often revolves around very specific Agent choices. “We expect teams to have set plays and strategies that will require very specific Agents,” he said.

So while banning might add diversity at the casual level, it could disrupt the kind of structured team play that’s essential in pro scenes and high ELO ranked matches.

What Could a Valorant Ban System Look Like?

If Riot moves forward with pick-bans, the system will likely be minimalist—at least initially. Smith suggested the possibility of a single ban per team, mirroring lighter versions of drafting systems seen in other titles. The intention would be to boost strategic variety without overcomplicating the experience or alienating specialist players.

Imagine queuing up for a ranked match and banning an Agent that always throws a wrench in your strategy. It could lead to new counterpicks, force teams to think outside their comfort zones, and ultimately keep the game feeling fresh. It would also add a layer of mind games to the pre-match phase, similar to League of Legends’ Draft Pick mode.

But again, this only works if there’s a deep enough roster to support it—and Riot isn’t ready to pull the trigger until that point is reached.

What This Means for Competitive Play

For players grinding the ranked ladder or seeking a boost in their competitive progression, the lack of a pick-ban system may feel like a missed opportunity. On the other hand, Riot’s slow and thoughtful approach could preserve the game’s competitive integrity and keep the esports scene thriving.

Streamers like Sykkuno, Pokimane, and DisguisedToast helped Valorant soar in popularity by showcasing the depth of Agent mechanics and the intensity of ranked matches. Maintaining that appeal may mean prioritizing refined balance and agent mastery over the unpredictability that bans can bring.

When Can We Expect Agent Bans?

Short answer: not soon. Based on Smith’s comments, a pick-ban system likely won’t appear until the Agent roster hits the 30-character mark. Even then, implementation would depend on whether it enhances the game or detracts from its competitive identity.

Until then, players will have to continue refining their lineups, adapting to the current meta, and using every available tool to boost their performance in ranked.

Whether you’re climbing to Immortal or just trying to break out of Silver, one thing’s clear—Valorant’s competitive scene is far from static. And when bans finally do arrive, the strategic landscape could shift dramatically.

 

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